Trump Tells Donors He Wants JD Vance to Win 2028, Keeping Rubio in the Mix

President Donald Trump has privately informed donors of his desire for Vice President JD Vance to secure victory in the 2028 presidential election. This private declaration, reported by The Washington Post, suggests that Trump may eventually endorse Vance as his chosen successor within the Republican Party.

During a meeting with donors in the Oval Office approximately two weeks ago, Trump reportedly stated, “At the end of the day, we need to elect JD.” These remarks mark a departure from Trump's public posture over the past year, during which he has publicly supported friendly competition between Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He has praised both individuals, suggested they could potentially form a joint ticket, and has refrained from publicly naming a preferred successor.

Even with these private comments, Trump has continued to solicit opinions from his advisers regarding both Vance and Rubio. Reports indicate he questioned White House staff about the two during a recent Marine One flight. One adviser shared with the newspaper that Trump has privately concluded Vance should lead the Republican Party post-him, though the timing of Vance's potential presidential campaign launch or Trump's public endorsement remains uncertain.

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At the end of the day, we need to elect JD.

However, several Trump allies and advisers have urged caution against interpreting this as a final decision. Sources familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that Trump frequently expresses varying views to different audiences and retains the flexibility to alter his stance. "Anyone assuming it's a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn't know the president very well," one official was quoted as saying.

JD Vance has not yet announced his intentions to run for president in 2028. Individuals close to Vance suggest he has not made a final decision, with one person indicating he plans to wait until after the birth of his fourth child, who arrived on July 19. The report also noted that Trump continues to speak highly of Rubio and envisions him on a joint Republican ticket with Vance, though it remains unclear if Rubio would accept a vice-presidential role.

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Anyone assuming it's a lock is just getting way ahead of themselves, or just doesn't know the president very well.